International Career
An established Chilean international since 2003, Pinilla led his country's scoring during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification qualifiers, with three goals. However, on 27 February 2007, whilst on loan to Universidad, he was caught in a hotel with María José López, the model wife of national team captain Luis Antonio Jiménez. The two players later encountered each other in a Santiago nightclub, which led to Pinilla's admission to hospital with head trauma and neck injuries.
Subsequently Pinilla announced his decision to retire from the international scene, not even reconsidering after the nation's President's intervention.
In August 2010 Pinilla returned to the national team, being recalled by manager Marcelo Bielsa for a friendly with the Ukraine. He was also picked for a game against Uruguay later in November of the following year, only to be called off due to injury.
Read more about this topic: Mauricio Pinilla
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“I’ve been in the twilight of my career longer than most people have had their career.”
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